Reusable Closure System

ABSTRACT

A reusable closure system for providing easy closure and opening of an object such as a sheet forming a barrier. The reusable closure system generally includes a backing member adapted to be secured to an object, such as by an adhesive. A closure member may be connected to the backing member, with the closure member including a first portion which is removably connected to a second portion by one or more magnets. An optional outer closure member may be connected to the closure member, with the outer closure member including a zipper. Thus, the reusable closure system may be secured to various objects to allow for selective opening or closing of the objects in a versatile, user-selected manner.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/296,721 filed on Mar. 8, 2019 which issues as U.S. Pat. No.10,905,203 on Feb. 2, 2021. Each of the aforementioned patentapplications, and any applications related thereto, is hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND Field

Example embodiments in general relate to a reusable closure system forproviding easy closure and opening of an object such as a sheet forminga barrier.

Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such related art is widelyknown or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Closure systems are generally permanently attached to various objects,such as objects surrounding openings meant to be selectively openedand/or closed. Other types of objects with such openings may omitclosure systems entirely. This can result in security issues,environmental risks due to particulates travelling through a barrier, orthe like.

While closure systems which are permanently attached to objects such asdoorways, tents, barriers, greenhouses, boat covers, clothing, shoes,bags, doorways, sheets, tarps, and the like have been useful, theyprovide little to no versatility. Further, they must be installed on themanufacturer's side. It would be preferable for a reusable closuresystem to be provided to be removably connected to an object by a user,which allows for versatility not permitted with fixed closure systemssuch as fixed zippers or the like.

It is also common for closure systems to be integrated, such as byfixable attachment, to the object. In such situations, damage to theclosure system will necessarily require replacement of the entireobject. It would be much more preferable if the closure system could beeasily removed from the object and the closure system replaced ifdamaged, thus negating the need to replace the object itself.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment is directed to a reusable closure system. Thereusable closure system includes a backing member adapted to be securedto an object, such as by an adhesive. A closure member may be connectedto the backing member, with the closure member including a first portionwhich is removably connected to a second portion by one or more magnets.An optional outer closure member may be connected to the closure member,with the outer closure member including a zipper. Thus, the reusableclosure system may be secured to various objects such as tents,greenhouses, or the like to allow for selective opening or closing ofthe objects in a versatile, user-selected manner. The reusable closuresystem may also be removable from the object such that damage to thereusable closure system does not necessitate replacement of the objectitself.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments ofthe reusable closure system in order that the detailed descriptionthereof may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additionalembodiments of the reusable closure system that will be describedhereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appendedhereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment ofthe reusable closure system in detail, it is to be understood that thereusable closure system is not limited in its application to the detailsof construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth inthe following description or illustrated in the drawings. The reusableclosure system is capable of other embodiments and of being practicedand carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of thedescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are represented by like reference characters, which aregiven by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of theexample embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reusable closure system in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a reusable closure systemillustrating both the backing member and closure member in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a reusable closure systemillustrating both the backing member and closure member in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a closure member of a reusable closuresystem in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a partially-folded closure member of areusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a partially-folded closure member of areusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a partially-folded closure member of areusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4E is a perspective view of a folded closure member of a reusableclosure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an outer closure member of a reusableclosure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a partially rolled-up outer closuremember of a reusable closure system in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a label on an outer closure member of areusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a partially rolled-up outer closuremember of a reusable closure system in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 5E is a perspective view of a rolled-up outer closure member of areusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a rolled-up backing member of areusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a rolled-up backing member of areusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view illustrating removal of a backing stripfrom a mount of a backing member of a reusable closure system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of a backing member and mount of areusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sheet covering a door frame of areusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a backing member being connected to asheet of a reusable closure system in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a closure member secured to a backingmember of a reusable closure system in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating cutting of a closure memberof a reusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a reusable closure system in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment using twobacking members of a reusable closure system in accordance with anexample embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pair closure member connected to thepair of backing members of a reusable closure system in accordance withan example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a barrier being rolled up of a reusableclosure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a barrier secured above a door frame ofa reusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a barrier secured below a door frame ofa reusable closure system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a reusable closure system utilizing agrommet in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a reusable closure system in which alocking device is secured between a grommet and a zipper in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a first perspective view of a reusable closure system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a second perspective view of a reusable closure system inaccordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Overview.

An example reusable closure system 10 generally comprises a backingmember 20 adapted to be secured to an object such as a sheet 13. Aclosure member 30 may be removably connected to the backing member 20,the closure member 30 comprising a first portion 35 and a second portion36. A first magnet 40 a may connect the first portion 35 and the secondportion 36 of the closure member 30. An adhesive 27 on an inner surface29 of the backing member 20 may be provided for securing the backingmember 20 to the object.

The first magnet 40 a may be connected to the first portion 35 of theclosure member 30. A second magnet 40 b may be connected to the secondportion 36 of the closure member 30, with the second magnet 40 b beingremovably connected to the first magnet 40 a. The first portion 35 ofthe closure member 30 may comprise a first pocket 41 and the secondportion 36 of the closure member 30 may comprise a second pocket 42,with the first magnet 40 a being positioned within the first pocket 41and the second magnet 40 b being positioned within the second pocket 42.

An outer closure member 50 may be removably or fixedly connected to theclosure member 30. The outer closure member 50 may comprise a zipper 57,with an outer surface 51 of the closure member 30 comprising outerconnectors 45 a, 45 b for engaging with an inner surface 52 of the outerclosure member 50. The inner surface 52 of the outer closure member 50may comprise a connector strip 55 a, 55 b for engaging with the outerconnectors 45 a, 45 b of the outer surface 38 of the closure member 30.The outer closure member 50 may comprise an opening such as a grommet60, with a locking device 61 such as a padlock being adapted to beremovably connected between the zipper 57 and the opening (grommet 60)of the outer closure member 50.

Another exemplary embodiment of a reusable closure system 10 maycomprise a backing member 20 adapted to be secured to an object such asa sheet 13. A closure member 30 may be removably connected to thebacking member 20, with the closure member 30 comprising a first portion35 and a second portion 36. A first magnet 40 a may be positioned on thefirst portion 35 of the closure member 30 and a second magnet 40 b maybe positioned on the second portion 36 of the closure member 30 suchthat the first portion 35 of the closure member 30 is removablyconnected to the second portion 36 of the closure member 30 by the firstmagnet 40 a and the second magnet 40 b.

The inner surface 29 of the backing member 20 may comprise an adhesive27 for securing the backing member 20 to an object. The first portion 35of the closure member 30 may comprise a first pocket 41, with the firstmagnet 40 a being positioned within the first pocket 41 of the firstportion 35 of the closure member 20. The second portion 36 of theclosure member 30 may comprise a second pocket 42, with the secondmagnet 40 b being positioned within the second pocket 42 of the secondportion 36 of the closure member 30.

An outer closure member 50 may be removably or fixedly connected to theclosure member 30. The outer closure member 50 may comprise a firstportion 53 and a second portion 54, with the first portion 53 of theouter closure member 50 being connected to the second portion 54 of theouter closure member 50. A zipper 57 may connect the first portion 53 ofthe outer closure member 50 to the second portion 54 of the outerclosure member 50. A grommet 60 may be positioned near the zipper 57 ofthe outer closure member 50 and a locking device 61 may be adapted to beremovably connected between the zipper 57 and the grommet 60 of theouter closure member 50 for selectively locking the zipper 57 of theouter closure member 50.

B. Backing Member.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an exemplary embodiment of a reusableclosure system 10 may comprise a backing member 20 adapted to be securedto an object such as a sheet 13. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the backingmember 20 may comprise an upper end 21, a lower end 22, a first side 23,a second side 24, an outer surface 28, and an inner surface 29. In theexemplary figures, the backing member 20 is illustrated as comprising anelongated rectangular strip.

The shape, size, and dimensions of the backing member 20 may vary indifferent embodiments. Thus, the backing member 20 should not beconstrued as comprising a rectangular shape as shown in the exemplaryfigures, nor should it be construed to be the particular width and/orlength shown in the exemplary figures. As shown in FIG. 6A-6D, thebacking member 20 may be rolled up prior to use for easy storage ortransport.

The backing member 20 may comprise an adhesive 27 or other type offastener on its inner surface 29 such as shown in FIG. 3. The adhesive27 or other fastener may be utilized to removably connect the backingmember 20 to the object for which a reusable closure system 10 isneeded. While the figures illustrate usage of an adhesive 27 such asglue, it should be appreciated that the inner surface 29 of the backingmember 20 may alternatively comprise a fastener such as hook-and-loopfastener. In other embodiments, tape or the like may be utilized tosecure the backing member 20 to the object.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the outer surface 28 of the backing member 20may comprise one or more connectors 25, 26 for removably connecting aclosure member 30 to the backing member 20. In the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 2, a first connector 25 and a second connector 26, eachcomprising a strip of a fastening material such as a hook-and-loopfastener, is shown used.

Continuing to reference FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that a strip offirst connector 25 extends between the upper and lower ends 21, 22 ofthe outer surface 28 of the backing member 20 near its first side 23 anda strip of second connector 26 extends in parallel orientation withrespect to the first connector 25 near the second side 24 of the outersurface 28 of the backing member 20. In the exemplary embodiment shownin FIG. 6A, a single connector 25 comprising a single strip ofhook-and-loop fastener which covers the outer surface 28 of the backingmember 20 is shown.

It should be appreciated that the number and orientation of connectors25, 26 used on the backing member 20 may vary in different embodiments.For example, only portions of the outer surface 28 backing member 20 mayutilize the connectors 25, 26. In other embodiments, the entire outersurface 28 may be connected with the connectors 25, 26. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, two discrete strips of connectors 25, 26 areshown, with a centerline 19 being visible between the two strips ofconnectors 25, 26 to act as a cutting guide. The type of connectors 25,26 used may vary in different embodiments. In the exemplary embodimentshown in the figures, hook-and-loop fastener strips are shown. Inanother exemplary embodiment, an adhesive may be utilized.Alternatively, tape or the like could be utilized as the connectors 25,26. It is preferable that the connectors 25, 26 are adapted to engagewith the inner surface 39 of the closure member 30 so as to secure theclosure member 30 to the backing member 20 such as shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, the backing member 20 may be rolled up to allowfor easier storage or transport. A mount 64 may be utilized to securethe backing member 20 in its rolled up configuration such as shown inFIG. 6A. The mount 64 may also serve the dual purpose of acting as amount point to secure the sheet 13 in an upright position such as shownin FIG. 14.

The mount 64 may include a connector 66 such as hook-and-loop fastenerwhich is adapted to engage with the connectors 25, 26 of the backingmember 20. The mount 64 may also include an adhesive 67 on its inner endwhich may be utilized to secure the mount 64 to a wall, sheet 13, or thelike such as shown in FIG. 14 and discussed herein. A backing strip 65may be positioned over the adhesive 67 prior to its use.

C. Closure Member.

As best shown in FIGS. 1-4E, an exemplary embodiment of a reusableclosure system 10 may comprise a closure member 30 which is removably orfixedly connected to the backing member 20. The closure member 30 maycomprise an elongated strip, though it should be appreciated that theshape, size, configuration, and orientation of the closure member 30 mayvary in different embodiments.

In the exemplary embodiment best shown in FIGS. 1-3, the closure member30 is illustrated as comprising an elongated configuration having anupper end 31, a lower end 32, a first side 33, and a second side 34. Theclosure member 30 may comprise inner connectors 44 a, 44 b on its innersurface 39. The inner surface 39 of the closure member 30 may beremovably connected to the backing member 20 such as shown in FIG. 1.The outer surface 28 of the backing member 20 may include magnets 40 a,40 b as discussed herein.

The inner connectors 44 a, 44 b on the inner surface 39 of the closuremember 30 may be utilized for securing the closure member 30 to thebacking member 20. Thus, the inner connectors 44 a, 44 b may bepositioned on the inner surface 39 of the closure member 30 as shown inFIG. 3. In such an embodiment, the inner connectors 44 a, 44 b are shownas extending along the first and second sides 33, 34 of the innersurface 39 of the closure member 30 between its upper and lower ends 31,32.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a first inner connector 44a extends between the upper and lower ends 31, 32 of the inner surface39 of the closure member 30 near its first side 33 and the second innerconnector 44 b extends in parallel orientation with respect to the firstinner connector 44 a near the second side 34 of the inner surface 39 ofthe closure member 30. It should be appreciated that the innerconnectors 44 a, 44 b may be comprised of different shapes, sizes,configuration, and orientations than shown in the figures.

The inner connectors 44 a, 44 b may comprise hook-and-loop fasteners.However, it should be appreciated that the inner connectors 44 a, 44 bmay in alternate embodiments comprise other structures or substances toconnect the backing and closure members 20, 30 together. For example,the inner connectors 44 a, 44 b may in some embodiments comprise anadhesive, clasps, buttons, or the like.

The closure member 30 may comprise a first portion 35 and a secondportion 36, with the first portion 35 including the first side 33 of theclosure member 30 and the second portion 36 including the second side 34of the closure member 30. The first and second portions 35, 36 of theclosure member 30 may be removably connected, such as using magnets 40a, 40 b. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the firstportion 35 of the closure member 30 includes a first magnet 40 a and thesecond portion 36 of the closure member 30 includes a second magnet 40b.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the closure member 30 isillustrated as comprising a first connector portion 47 and a secondconnector portion 48, with the first connector portion 47 beingremovably connected to the second connector portion 48 to selectivelyopen or close the closure member 30. The first connector portion 47 isillustrated as comprising the edge of the first portion 35 of theclosure member 30 and the second connector portion 48 is illustrated ascomprising the edge of the second portion 36 of the closure member 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first magnet 40 a may be connected to thefirst connector portion 47 and the second magnet 40 b may be connectedto the second connector portion 48. The manner in which the magnets 40a, 40 b are secured to the closure member 30 may vary in differentembodiments. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the firstportion 35 of the closure member 30 includes a first pocket 41 whichextends the length of the closure member 30 between its upper and lowerends 31, 32. Similarly, the second portion 36 of the closure member 30includes a second pocket 42 which extends along the length of theclosure member 30 between its upper and lower ends 31, 32.

The first magnet 40 a may be positioned within the first pocket 41 andthe second magnet 40 b may be positioned within the second pocket 42such as shown in FIG. 1. The magnets 40 a, 40 b may in some embodimentsbe removably connected within the pockets 41, 42. In other embodiments,the pockets 41, 42 may be sealed such that the magnets 40 a, 40 b arenot removable. In other embodiments, the pockets 41, 42 may be omittedentirely, with the magnets 40 a, 40 b being external to the closuremember 30. For example, the magnets 40 a, 40 b could be fastened to theclosure member 30 via use of adhesives, fasteners, clamps, sewn string(such as loops), or the like.

The closure member 30 may in some embodiments be foldable such as shownin FIGS. 4A-4E. Such a configuration allows the closure member 30 to beeasily collapsed to reduce its size for storage or transport. In suchembodiments, the magnets 40 a, 40 b may be flexible or segmented suchthat the closure member 30 may be folded against itself such as shown inFIG. 4E.

The closure member 30 may include couplers 37 on its outer surface 38which aid with securing the closure member 30 into a folded, collapsedstate such as shown in FIG. 4E. The couplers 37 may comprise tabs,strips, or the like of a fastener material such as hook-and-loopfastener. The closure member 30 may be folded over itself and thensecured in its collapsed state by wrapping a portion of the lower end 32of the closure member 30 around the folded closure member 30 such thatthe inner connector strips 44 a, 44 b of the closure member 30 mayremovably engage with the couplers 37 such as shown in FIG. 4E.

In an exemplary embodiment, the closure member 30 may comprise one ormore grommets 60 for selectively locking the closure member 30 in aclosed state. By way of example, a first grommet 60 could be positionednear the first connector portion 47 and a second grommet 60 could bepositioned near the second connector portion 48. A locking device 61such as a padlock or zip tie could be selectively connected between thepair of grommets 60 to selectively lock the first and second portions35, 36 of the closure member 30 together. The positioning of thegrommets 60 may vary in different embodiments so long as the lockingdevice 61 may engage to removably lock the closure member 30 in theclosed position.

D. Outer Closure Member.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, an exemplary embodiment may include anouter closure member 50 which is removably or fixedly connected to theclosure member 30. Such an embodiment may be desirable to allow both amagnet-based closure and a zipper-based closure to be used incombination with each other. For example, when the zipper-based closureis open, the magnets may still provide easy access to open and close thebarrier. When the zipper-based closure is closed, the barrier willremain closed and, as discussed below, may be locked.

As shown in FIG. 18, the outer closure member 50 may comprise anelongated strip of material which is similar in size and shape to thebacking member 20 and closure member 30. The outer closure member 50 maycomprise an outer surface 51 and an inner surface 52. The inner surface52 of the outer closure member 50 may be connected to the closure member30.

As shown in FIG. 18, the outer closure member 50 may comprise a firstportion 53 and a second portion 54, with the first portion 53 beingremovably connected to the second portion 54. The first and secondportions 53, 54 of the outer closure member 50 may be removablyconnected to each other, such as by the use of a zipper 57 as shown inFIG. 19. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the outerclosure member 50 may comprise alternate closure methods, such as theuse of fasteners, magnets, or the like.

Continuing to reference FIGS. 18 and 19, it can be seen that the outerclosure member 50 may comprise zipper tracks 56, with a first zippertrack 56 on the first portion 53 and a second zipper track 56 on thesecond portion 54 of the outer closure member 50. A zipper 57 may beconnected between the zipper tracks 56 so as to selectively close oropen the outer closure member 50.

The manner in which the outer closure member 50 is connected to theclosure member 30 may vary in different embodiments. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 19, the inner surface 52 of the outer closuremember 50 is illustrated as comprising a pair of connector strips 55 a,55 b which extend along the length of the outer closure member 50.

In the exemplary embodiment of the figures, a first connector strip 55 aextends along the first portion 53 of the outer closure member 50 and asecond connector strip 55 b extends along the second portion 54 of theouter closure member 50. The connector strips 55 a, 55 b may comprisedifferent types of fasteners or adhesives. In the exemplary embodimentshown in the figures, the connector strips 55 a, 55 b are illustrated ascomprising a hook-and-loop fastener material.

In embodiments which utilize an outer closure member 50, the closuremember 30 may comprise outer connectors 45 a, 45 b such as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19. The outer connectors 45 a, 45 b may be adapted toremovably engage with the connector strips 55 a, 55 b of the outerclosure member 50 to secure the outer closure member 50 to the closuremember 30.

As shown, the first outer connector 45 a may be positioned on the outersurface 38 of the first portion 35 of the closure member 30 and a secondouter connector 45 b may be positioned on the outer surface 38 of thesecond portion 36 of the closure member 30. Thus, the first outerconnector 45 a of the closure member 30 may removably engage with thefirst connector strip 55 a of the outer closure member 50 and the secondouter connector 45 b of the closure member 30 may removably engage withthe second connector strip 55 b of the outer closure member 30.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the outer closure member 50 may belockable in some embodiments. An opening such as a grommet 60 may bepositioned on the outer closure member 50 near the zipper tracks 56. Thegrommet 60 may be positioned on either the first or second portion 53,54 of the outer closure member 50. Further, the positioning of thegrommet 60 may vary in different embodiments. It could be positioned ator near the top of the outer closure member 50 or at or near the bottomof the outer closure member 50 depending on which way the zipper 57moves to open and close the outer closure member 50.

As can be seen in FIG. 17B, the outer closure member 50 may beselectively locked by inserting a locking device 61 such as a padlock orthe like between the grommet 60 and the zipper 57. When the lockingdevice 61 is in place, the zipper 57 will not be able to move to unzipthe outer closure member 50. Only after the locking device 61 has beenremoved may the zipper 57 function to open or close the outer closuremember 50. This may be utilized to prevent access to a location.

As can be shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5D, and 5E, the outer closure member 50may be easily rolled up to allow for a compact state for storage ortransport. The outer closure member 50 may comprise one or more couplers62 on its outer surface 38 comprised of a fastener or adhesive material,such as hook-and-loop fasteners. The couplers 62 may removably engagewith the connector strips 55 a, 55 b to secure the outer closure member50 in a rolled-up configuration such as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5D, and5E.

The outer closure member 50 may also in some embodiments comprise alabel 68 at its upper or lower end. The label 68 may extend off theouter closure member 50 such as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C. The label 68may include indicia 69 such as writing, or may be blank to allow a userto write directly on the label 68. In some embodiments, the label 68 maybe comprised of a reflective material or the like. The label 68 may beused for identifying the outer closure member 50 or to provide messagessuch as warnings or the like.

E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment.

The systems and methods described herein may be utilized to provide areusable closure system 10 for use in a wide variety of applications.For example, the reusable closure system 10 could be utilized to createa door in a tent. Alternatively, as described below, the reusableclosure system 10 could be used to create a temporary barrier in a doorframe 12. Further examples, without limitation, include usage with atruck tarp, clothing, boat covers, backpacks, purses and other bags,shoes, tents, greenhouses, and the like. Any structure or device whichis needed to be opened and closed may benefit from the systems andmethods described herein.

The reusable closure system 10 may be used in connection with a numberof industries and applications, such as but not limited to water damage,transportation, sanding, flooring, painting, safety compliance,restoration, renovations, remodeling, remediation, property management,painting, mold, manufacturing, hospitality, home improvement,healthcare, government, fire damage, facility management, dust barrier,drywall, DIY projects, demolition, containment, concrete cutting,abatement, and the like.

In use, the backing member 20 is first secured to an object, such as byuse of the adhesive 27 on the inner surface 29 of the backing member 20.The closure member 30 may then be secured to the backing member 20, suchas by engaging the inner connectors 44 a, 44 b on the inner surface 39of the closure member 30 with the connectors 25, 26 on the outer surface28 of the backing member 20.

Once the backing member 20 is secured to the object and the closuremember 30 is secured to the backing member 20, the backing member 20 andclosure member 30 may be cut if necessary. The closure member 30 may beopened by separating its first and second portions 35, 36 which willalso separate the backing member 20. The closure member 30 may be closedby drawing the first and second portions 35, 36 back together (in someembodiments, one will need only to release the closure member 30 and itwill naturally return to its closed state). The magnets 40 a, 40 b orother fasteners will removably secure the closure member 30 in itsclosed state.

In some embodiments, an outer closure member 50 may be secured to theclosure member 30. This will allow an additional level of security tokeep the closure member 30 closed. The outer closure member 50 maycomprise a zipper 57. When the zipper 57 is opened, the closure member30 may be freely opened or closed. When the zipper 57 is closed, theclosure member 30 will not separate until the zipper 57 is opened. Alocking device 61 may be connected between a grommet 60 on the outerclosure member 50 and the zipper 57 to lock the outer closure member 50in a closed position such as shown in FIG. 17B.

FIGS. 7-11 illustrate an exemplary method of creating a temporarybarrier such as a doorway within a door frame 12. A sheet 13 may firstbe secured over the door frame 12 such as shown in FIG. 7. The sheet 13may be secured in any number of manners, such as by using tape or thelike.

With the sheet 13 in place such as shown in FIG. 7, the backing member20 may be secured to the sheet 13. FIG. 8 illustrates a backing member20 being secured along the mid-line of the sheet 13. The backing member20 may be secured via the adhesive 27 on its inner surface 29, with theadhesive 27 adhering against the sheet 13 as shown in FIG. 8.

With the backing member 20 in place on the sheet 13, the closure member30 may be secured to the backing member 20. FIG. 9 illustrates a closuremember 30 secured to a backing member 20. The closure member 30 willgenerally include inner connectors 44 a, 44 b which engage withcorresponding connectors 25, 26 on the outer surface 28 of the backingmember 20 to removably secure the closure member 20 to the backingmember 20.

With the closure member 30 secured to the backing member 20, a user mayutilize a cutting tool 14 such as a knife to cut down the centerline ofthe sheet 13 so as to separate the backing member 20 and the closuremember 30 as shown in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the sheet 13 may bepre-cut. The centerline 19 of the backing member 20 may be used as aguide for cutting.

Once the sheet 13, backing member 20, and closure member 30 have beencut, the reusable closure system 10 is ready for use. The sheet 13 maybe opened by spreading it apart such as shown in FIG. 11. When closed,such as by letting go of the sheet 13, the magnets 40 a, 40 b willengage with each other to close the closure member 30 and interconnectedbacking member 20. In this manner, a doorway may be easily created, suchas in a construction area.

FIGS. 12-16 illustrate an alternate embodiment in which a pair ofbacking members 20 are positioned on opposite sides of the sheet 13. Apair of closure members 30 may be secured to the backing members 20 suchas shown in FIG. 13. With this embodiment, the sheet 13 may be rolled upsuch as shown in FIG. 14. The mounts 64 may be secured above the doorframe 12 such as shown in FIG. 15 to secure the rolled-up sheet 13 abovethe door frame 12. Alternatively, the mounts 64 may be secured to thesheet 13 beneath the door frame 12 for an alternate anchoring point forthe rolled up sheet 13 such as shown in FIG. 16.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the reusable closure system, suitable methods andmaterials are described above. All publications, patent applications,patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law andregulations. The reusable closure system may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributesthereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Anyheadings utilized within the description are for convenience only andhave no legal or limiting effect.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reusable closure system, comprising: a backingmember adapted to be secured to an object; a closure member removablyconnected to the backing member, the closure member comprising a firstportion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the closuremember comprises a first connector portion, wherein the second portionof the closure member comprises a second connector portion; wherein thefirst connector portion is removably connected to the second connectorportion; and an adhesive on an inner surface of the backing member forsecuring the backing member to the object.
 2. The reusable closuresystem of claim 1, wherein the first connector portion extends along afirst edge of the first connector portion.
 3. The reusable closuresystem of claim 2, wherein the second connector portion extends along asecond edge of the second connector portion.
 4. The reusable closuresystem of claim 3, further comprising a first magnet connected to thefirst connector portion of the first portion of the closure member. 5.The reusable closure system of claim 4, further comprising a secondmagnet connected to the second connector portion of the second portionof the closure member.
 6. The reusable closure system of claim 5,wherein the first connector portion comprises a first pocket, whereinthe first magnet is positioned within the first pocket.
 7. The reusableclosure system of claim 6, wherein the second connector portioncomprises a second pocket, wherein the second magnet is positionedwithin the second pocket.
 8. The reusable closure system of claim 7,wherein the first pocket and the second pocket are each sealed.
 9. Thereusable closure system of claim 7, wherein the first magnet and thesecond magnet are each segmented such that the first magnet and thesecond magnet may each be folded.
 10. The reusable closure system ofclaim 1, further comprising an outer closure member connected to theclosure member.
 11. The reusable closure system of claim 10, wherein theouter closure member comprises a zipper.
 12. The reusable closure systemof claim 11, wherein the outer closure comprises an opening and furthercomprising a locking device removably connected between the zipper andthe opening of the outer closure member.
 13. The reusable closure systemof claim 12, wherein the opening of the outer closure member comprises agrommet.
 14. A reusable closure system, comprising: a backing memberadapted to be secured to an object; a closure member removably connectedto the backing member, wherein the closure member is comprised of anelongated strip including a first portion and a second portion, whereinthe first portion of the closure member comprises a first connectorportion along a first edge of the first portion of the closure member,wherein the second portion of the closure member comprises a secondconnector portion along a second edge of the second portion of theclosure member; a first magnet connected to the first connector portionof the first portion of the closure member; and a second magnetconnected to the second connector portion of the second portion of theclosure member, wherein the first connector portion is removablyconnected to the second connector portion by the first magnet and thesecond magnet.
 15. The reusable closure system of claim 14, wherein aninner surface of the backing member comprises an adhesive.
 16. Thereusable closure system of claim 14, further comprising an outer closuremember removably connected to the closure member.
 17. The reusableclosure system of claim 16, wherein the outer closure member comprises azipper.
 18. The reusable closure system of claim 14, wherein an outersurface of the backing member is removably connected to an inner surfaceof the closure member.
 19. The reusable closure system of claim 18,wherein the outer surface of the backing member comprises a firstconnector and wherein the inner surface of the closure member comprisesa first inner connector, wherein the first connector of the backingmember is removably connected to the first inner connector of theclosure member.
 20. The reusable closure system of claim 19, wherein thefirst inner connector of the closure member and the first connector ofthe backing member are each comprised of a hook-and-loop fastener.